The 5 to Watch Awards are presented annually tofive Canadian sports business professionals who have achieved remarkable career success prior to their 40th birthdays. This ground-breaking event has become a "must-attend" within the Canadian sports business industry and sets the standard for identifying the next generation of industry leaders.

The Centre for Business at George Brown College launched the awards show in 2012in partnership with the Globe & Mail and a group of dedicated alumni. The awards are voted on by a panel of sports industry executives including representatives from Premier Partners: BMO Financial Group, the Canadian Football League, Canadian Tire, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, SDI Marketing, TSN and presenting sponsor, Globe and Mail.

A sixth award was added to the program in 2014 to recognize an outstanding graduate of the Sport & Event Marketing Program at George Brown College. The Alumni Achievement Award is voted on by alumni of the program and recognizes a dynamic sports business professional who has also given back to the world of sport through coaching, mentoring or volunteering.

Over 400 sports business professionals every year join together to network and celebrate the winners. All proceeds from the awards show benefit student awards and bursaries at George Brown’s Centre for Business. Over the past six years, the event has raised over $300k.

George Brown College's "5 To Watch" is a ground breaking event that has become a "must-attend" within the Canadian sports marketing industry and sets the standard for identifying the next generation of industry captains.